Public corruption investigations increasing in number and fervor
By Kirstin Ellison
Posted on Tue Aug 01, 2006 at 03:22:52 PM EST
The Arizona Republic has a good story on the widening scope of public corruption investigations at the local, state and national levels.
From a Tempe City Council member and a Maricopa County schools chief to a former Pinal County manager and Border Patrol officers, every level of government is under close watch.
The Arizona Public Corruption Task Force, which includes most law enforcement agencies in the state, is providing training and sharing information about possible power-abuse cases. Federal prosecutors recently formed a unit to handle public corruption. And the FBI says that public corruption is now one of its top five priorities.
"Public corruption basically can degrade society at the core, and it affects everything in our society," FBI spokeswoman Deborah McArley said.
There's more inside.
The article includes specific details about scandals that have plagued Arizona over the years, including a couple of Governors. But it also gives the reader a good idea of the relevance of public corruption investigations to the bigger picture, and makes clear why even the smallest case should matter. Here's my pick for the money quote:
"I know every citizen wants good government and government that they can have faith in," said U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton, the state's top federal prosecutor. "To have faith in government, you have to have individuals who are willing to put their own financial interests second."
Well said.
Tags: corruption, ethics in government, Arizona, Arizona Republic (all tags)
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